Who Are the Mock Drafters Picking For the Patriots?

Have you been looking around the internet for who the Patriots might pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft? Well look no further. We’ve compiled the national “experts’’ mock draft selections for the Pats at No. 29 and, no surprise, there are only a handful of names being considered. Not to forget that there is the strong possibility the team could trade out of their spot depending on Bill Belichick’s mood. So check out the players posited as the next Patriots with a grain of salt.

QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

—John Raoux

Brent Sobleski (USA Today Sports) writes: “The Patriots could choose Bridgewater to be Tom Brady’s heir apparent. Brady turns 37 in August, and the organization appears to be readying itself for the future. During the pre-draft process, the Patriots reportedly had meetings with 11 quarterbacks. The Patriots currently have eight selections in the draft and should be expected to take a quarterback at some point. Why not take the quarterback the Q still ranks as the top prospect at his position?’’

DT Dominique Easley, Florida

Matt Miller (Bleacher Report) writes: “Were it not for two ACL tears—one to each knee—Dominique Easley could be contending with Aaron Donald for the top defensive tackle spot. Once teams saw Easley’s rehab progress, it became clear he wouldn’t last long on draft day.

“Much like Tank Carradine last year, Easley can be drafted and stashed on the physically unable to perform list to start the season if need be. But in New England he’s the second coming of Richard Seymour in that he will allow the Patriots to play either a 3-4 or 4-3 front without bringing him off the field. His athleticism—as long as it comes back post-surgery—is eye-opening for a man his size.’’

DL Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame

—Frank Franklin II / AP photo

Peter King (TheMMQB.com/Sports Illustrated) writes: “Everyone I’ve talked to said some version of, “Oh, New England’s trading out.’’ Which I buy. I also would buy tight end Jace Amaro here. I do not buy Ra’shede Hageman. Too boom-or-bust. Tuitt’s a very strong Patriot kind of versatile tackle and 3-4 end with the ability to play outside, a la Vince Wilfork.’’

ESPN’s Todd Mc Shay also selected Tuitt for the Patriots in his mock draft.

DT Louis Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

—Joe Raymond / AP photo

Don Banks (Sports Illustrated) writes: “We all know about the Patriots’ penchant for bailing out of the bottom of the first round, so a team that has a quarterback in its sights and wants to get the jump on the competition could well wind up owning this slot. But if they stick, the Pats might be able to choose a defensive tackle, Vince Wilfork’s heir apparent in the space-eating Nix.’’

Also selecting Nix III for the Patriots were Dane Brugler (CBSSports.com) and Will Brinson (CBSSports.com).

DT Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota

—Michael Conroy / AP photo

Mel Kiper (ESPN) writes: “Vince Wilfork is 32 years old and Tommy Kelly is 33, and, while they have a decent rotation given all the reps they gave to rookies last season, nobody on the depth chart offers the upside of Hageman. The onetime tight end recruit brings a great deal of athleticism and will offer immediate help in the rotation behind that top pairing. He has a great deal of athletic ability and the size and quickness to be a disruptive factor. The Patriots are always a possibility to move down — this is a spot at which a team targeting a quarterback early in Round 2 could assure they get their guy here — but the pick makes sense if Bill Belichick decides to stay put.’’